Kamloops Symphony cashes in

The Kamloops Symphony Society received a large grant for this year's operating expenses.

The Kamloops Symphony Society and the Western Canada Theatre Company Society have received more than $180,000 in grants this year.

Kamloops-North Thompson MLA Terry Lake and Kamloops-South Thompson MLA Todd Stone congratulated the two groups for receiving the B.C. Arts Council grants to assist with operating costs and programming this year.

“Both of these organizations contribute greatly to the arts and cultural scene in Kamloops,” Stone said. “This funding will help the Kamloops Symphony and the Western Canada Theatre Company continue to entertain and delight residents in Kamloops and surrounding region.”

The Western Canada Theatre Company Society will receive a grand total of $150,000 of grants for operating funding for the 2014 and 2015 season. The Kamloops Symphony Society will receive $31,350 for programming and operational costs for the current year.

“Kamloops is a hub for creativity, live theatre, music and visual arts thanks in part to investments such as these B.C. Arts Council Grants,” Lake said. “Having a vibrant arts and culture scene improves our quality of life and brings our community together.”

As a result of the April and May adjudications, the B.C. Arts Council announced almost $6.25 million in funding to 166 arts and culture organizations or individuals throughout the province.

The funding comes from a record-high $24 million the B.C. Arts Council received from the provincial government to support artists, arts activities and culture in the 2013-14 fiscal year.

As B.C.’s lead agency for arts funding and development, the B.C. Arts Council enlists the expertise of British Columbia’s artists to evaluate grant applications through a peer review process independent of government.

Established in 1995, the B.C. Arts Council consults with the arts and culture community to develop policies, programs and strategic priorities for the sector. Last year, the council approved more than 1,000 grants in over 200 communities in every region of the province.

For a list of recipients of the most recently approved B.C. Arts Council grants, or more information about the B.C. Arts Council please visit: bcartscouncil.ca

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